Financial Hardship (2024)

Having the option of taking an in-service withdrawal from your TSP account can be a lifesaver when you’re facing a financial hardship. But before you do, evaluate your options carefully and know the consequences.

  • It’s a permanent withdrawal from your TSP account. You can’t put the money back. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of money that grows and generates compound earnings.
  • You are only eligible to receive a financial hardship in-service withdrawal if you are experiencing negative monthly cash flow or have unpaid medical expenses, a casualty loss, or unpaid legal fees incurred for a separation or divorce, or losses due to a major natural disaster declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Tax considerations

  • We’ll withhold 10% on the taxable portion of your withdrawal for federal income tax. You have the option of changing withholding to any percentage you want, including to 0%.
  • The taxable portion of your withdrawal is subject to federal income tax at your ordinary rate. Also, you may have to pay state income tax.
  • An additional IRS early withdrawal penalty of 10% may apply if you’re under the age of 59½.

Spousal rights

  • If you’re a FERS employees or a uniformed services member, a financial hardship withdrawal requires your spouse’s consent.
  • If you’re a CSRS employee, a financial hardship withdrawal requires spouse notification.

For detailed information about financial hardship withdrawal eligibility and application rules, read In-Service Withdrawals.

Bankruptcy

The funds in your TSP account are held in trust for you by the TSP and, by law, are protected from the claims of creditors. Your TSP account cannot be garnished to pay debts.

A chapter 7 bankruptcy action does not affect your ability to obtain a financial hardship in-service withdrawal.

For detailed information about the effect of a bankruptcy on your TSP account, see the TSP fact sheet, Bankruptcy Information.

Financial Hardship (2024)

FAQs

What is considered financial hardship? ›

You are in financial hardship if you have difficulty paying your bills and repayments on your loans and debts when they are due.

What is financial hardships example? ›

Examples of financial hardships include, but are not limited to, the following: Employment layoff. Pay cut. Home foreclosure.

What to do if I'm struggling financially? ›

In this article:
  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Make a budget to help you resolve your financial problems.
  3. Lower your expenses.
  4. Pay in cash.
  5. Stop taking on debt to avoid aggravating your financial problems.
  6. Avoid buying new.
  7. Meet with your advisor to discuss your financial problems.
  8. Increase your income.
Jan 29, 2024

How do you prove you are in financial hardship? ›

Depending on your situation, you might submit documents such as an unemployment notice, medical bills, military orders or a divorce decree. It's also helpful to provide verification of all sources of income (paystubs, W-2s and 1099s) as well as account statements to show your current financial status.

What is considered a personal hardship? ›

Hardship is a situation in which your life is difficult or unpleasant, often because you do not have enough money. [...] See full entry for 'hardship' Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.

What proof do you need for a hardship withdrawal? ›

What Proof Do You Need for a Hardship Withdrawal? You must provide adequate documentation as proof of your hardship withdrawal. 2 Depending on the circ*mstance, this can include invoices from a funeral home or university, insurance or hospital bills, bank statements, and escrow payments.

How do you demonstrate financial hardship? ›

bank notice, for example, overdraft call or mortgaged property repossession. overdue medical bills. letter from a doctor verifying the inability to earn an income due to illness or caring for a sick family member.

What are common hardships? ›

People experience all kinds of adversity in life. There are personal experiences, such as illness, loss of a loved one, abuse, bullying, job loss, and financial instability. There is the shared reality of tragic events in the news, such as terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and natural disasters.

Is it normal to go through financial hardship? ›

Whether your problems stem from a loss of work, escalating debt, unexpected expenses, or a combination of factors, financial worry is one of the most common stressors in modern life.

Is the $36,000 financial hardship loan legit? ›

You're contacted and told that you're pre-approved for a financial assistance loan (typically $37,000). Be cautious, even if it sounds like you're talking to a real person; scammers have begun using AI voice clones to make their schemes seem more convincing [*].

What can I do if I have no money? ›

There are several organisations that can support you if you are in need of emergency funding. These organisations can help you buy food or pay your bills.
  1. Trust funds.
  2. Credit unions.
  3. Councils.
  4. Energy providers.
  5. The Government.
  6. Charities.

What happens if I can't pay my bills? ›

You'll end up with late fees, interest charges...and a ruined credit rating. Don't stick your head in the sand. While these may be effective, the concept of borrowing money to clear up obligations is not considered to be a generally sound approach.

What qualifies for hardship? ›

What is considered an immediate and heavy financial need?
  • Some medical care expenses (as described in Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) for you, your spouse, your primary beneficiary or your dependents.
  • Costs directly related to the purchase of your principal residence, excluding mortgage payments.

What is considered severe financial hardship? ›

A single person is in severe financial hardship if: their readily available funds are equal to or less than the specified limit (as set out below), AND. they CANNOT reasonably be expected to sell or borrow against assets (1.1. A.

How much hardship payment can I get? ›

This is roughly 60 per cent of the amount of the sanction. The amount of the Hardship Payment you get is the daily rate multiplied by the number of days the sanction lasts. A Hardship Payment is only paid for a limited number of days.

What does the IRS consider a financial hardship? ›

An economic hardship occurs when we have determined the levy prevents you from meeting basic, reasonable living expenses. In order for the IRS to determine if a levy is causing hardship, the IRS will usually need you to provide financial information so be prepared to provide it when you call.

What circ*mstances are classified as hardship? ›

Hardship applies to a circ*mstance in which excessive and painful effort of some kind is required, as enduring acute discomfort from cold, or battling over rough terrain. Privation has particular reference to lack of food, clothing, and other necessities or comforts.

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